The Niger State Ministry of Works and Infrastructural Development has reaffirmed its commitment to completing ongoing road and infrastructure projects across the state despite the challenges currently affecting progress.
During a press briefing held at the ministry’s headquarters in Minna, the Permanent Secretary, QS Hassan Baba Etsu, clarified misconceptions surrounding the perceived slow pace of work on urban roads, the 5 km road network, and other major projects.
He dismissed allegations that the state government or its contractors had abandoned project sites, emphasizing that the delays were largely due to natural and logistical factors beyond human control.
QS Etsu also refuted claims that some communities in Minna were asked to pay before contractors constructed culverts to their homes. He assured the public that the ministry would investigate the matter thoroughly.
He noted that the Ministry of Works operates an open-door policy and encouraged members of the public to approach the ministry directly for accurate information rather than relying on rumors.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the state government is fully aware of the current situation and has been working closely with relevant agencies to ensure a smooth resumption of construction activities across the state.
QS Etsu outlined several reasons behind the temporary slowdown of work. Chief among them, he said, are the ongoing rainy season and security challenges in some locations.
He explained that heavy and persistent rainfall had made it unsafe for construction to continue on many roads, as the wet ground conditions compromise the quality and durability of the projects.
On security, the Permanent Secretary revealed that some contractors had reported safety challenges that forced them to temporarily withdraw their workers from project sites until conditions improve.
He further disclosed that about eighty percent of the reasons contractors are currently off-site are weather-related, stressing that the decision to halt work was a necessary precaution to ensure safety and maintain construction standards.
QS Etsu added that several contractors had formally communicated their challenges to the ministry and reaffirmed their readiness to return to site immediately after the weather stabilizes.
Despite these setbacks, he assured that the Niger State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward contractor laxity and non-performance.
He emphasized that only competent and duly verified contractors are engaged to execute projects, ensuring value for money and quality delivery.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated that the ministry, in collaboration with the New Niger Development initiative, is working tirelessly to ensure that all ongoing projects progress according to specification once the dry season begins.
He also revealed that the state government had engaged a consultant to provide technical oversight and guarantee that all completed projects meet one hundred percent quality standards.
According to him, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration remains determined to deliver durable and world-class infrastructure across Niger State in line with its “New Niger” vision.
QS Etsu disclosed that specialized consultants have been appointed to add value to government projects, ensuring that every road, bridge, and facility contributes meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of the state.
He made it clear that the federal government would not assume the duties of state contractors, stressing that the Niger State Government remains fully responsible for the funding, supervision, and successful completion of all its projects.
The press briefing was attended by key directors from various departments of the ministry, including Arch. Salihu Muhammad Wanigi (Director, Public Buildings), Gambo Alhaji Adamu (Director, Administration), Alhaji Aliyu Umar (Director, Finance), QS Ashiya Alfa (Ag. Director, DPRs), QS Solomon Baba (Director, Quantity Surveying), Engr. Kudu Madami (Director, Engineering Services), Comrade Ismaila Saba Favu (Information Officer), and ESV Fatima Babababu (Assistant Director, Land), as well as representatives of various media organizations.
The Permanent Secretary concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and quality delivery in all its infrastructural initiatives